Here are the official costumes du jour, Haley was a witch and Charlie was Spidey

We also had a family theme party the day before...we recycled Haley's Dorothy costume from last year and borrowed a baby lion costume from Courtney for Charlie. I bought a witch hat and covered in black while Scott pulled out a flannel and some straw and voila...The Wizard of Oz!
Charlie and his buddy, Fin, the Superheros

Haley carving the pumpkin

Tweetsie trip with cousins

Haley panning for gold
Note Charlie's face...he was terrified of the indians

Charlie's First Day of School 2010

My little buddy started school this year in the 3's class and walked right in as if he owned the place. I was worried since he has always had big sis by his side, but he knew the drill and was excited to be there and meet new friends. Oh, and momma is happy to have some "me" time. Thank goodness for 3 hours of time to myself a couple mornings each week...summer about wore me out! I mean, how many more times could I apply sunscreen?

Here's to another great year!

This little man plays hard and rests hard...he fell asleep after school on my tile kitchen floor. Yes, this is for real...

Dear Canon,

Dear Canon Camera,

Thanks for not working today. You distracted me from being too sad about sending my baby off to her first day of school. She did great though, unlike you, she was fine with her adjustments and she fulfilled her task. Thankfully we have many good examples around us, like Blackberrys, that teach us how to work properly!

Love,

Mary

Haley was so excited this morning to go to school. When we talked last night about the new chapter ahead, she said she was a little nervous and a lot excited! As a mother, of course I am a lot more nervous than excited. Everytime fear steps into my head, I have to remind myself that God loves Haley even more than I do. He has a perfect plan for her and instead of worrying, I believe He wants me to praise Him that Haley is able to go to Kindergarten today. She is physically, emotionally and developmentally READY.

Another funny thing I don't want to forget is her response to my question "what are you going to ask your teacher on the first day?". She said, "I'm gonna ask her when we get to do homework and ask her if she is a Christian". Oh my, we already are going to have to have a talk.

OIB 2010

Since my camera is on the fritz, my sweet sis-in-laws shared some pics with me of our trip to Ocean Isle in August. Here are the tanned up cuties having fun with their cousins.

Charlie's birthday

My little buddy turned 3 in May. My little buddy is not a little buddy anymore. My little buddy is a wild-man, a super-hero lover, a sports fan, a rule breaker, a challenge taker and now he is my Big Buddy.

Charlie, you make us laugh until our bellies hurt. You've never met a stranger and you speak to everyone you see. You light up a room with your wit and smile. You play rough but you are learning how to be tender too. You are a Big Boy and Daddy and I love you so much.

The man of the hour:

Uncle Michael picked out this golf set and glove, Charlie slept in the glove for a week straight:

The girls got into decorating super-hero capes:

Charlie's celebration at school:

Mimi and G-daddy swallowed some UNC pride for this gift...now that's LOVE:

Train trip

We tried out the new noon train to Raleigh this summer...it was super fun. The trip is about 3 hours, so it doesn't save time, but it was a great experience.

Sweet Cammie picked us up from the station, here are the kiddos on deck

Charlie made friends with one of the passengers (surprise, surprise!) and even took a nap on her lap. Ironically, she knew Scott's mom when she lived in Raleigh.
Getting on the train in Durham to head home
Vail and Haven took the trip with us, they were giddy with excitement